Overwatch introduces Lucioball game mode as part of Summer Games event

Blizzard introduces a Rocket League-inspired game for its Rio 2016 Olympic celebration.

(L-R) Overwatch heroes Tracer, Zarya and Lucio in their Summer Games costumes.Blizzard

Blizzard is introducing a new game mode to hit online shooter Overwatch, as part of its inaugural Olympics-themed "Summer Games" celebration. New skins and items are also being made available through the purchase of Loot Boxes.

Lucioball is a 3 on 3 mode in which everyone plays as Brazilian Support hero Lucio, attempting to score goals in a manner similar to 2015 summer hit Rocket League. The new arena for the mode is also reminiscent of Psyonix's classic. Both will be available to all players free of charge until 22 August when the seasonal event ends.

On Tuesday (2 August) Overwatch's Summer Games event began with Loot Boxes going on sale and care packages sent to members of the Overwatch community hinting at some of the 100+ items that can be unlocked within them.

A trailer (embedded below) revealed further details, including an array of patriotic skins specific to each character's origins, new emotes, poses and Lucioball – which will join the Brawl playlist.

Overwatch is a multiplayer hero and class-based first person shooter from Blizzard, the developer behind World of Warcraft, Diablo, Starcraft and Hearthstone. It has proven enormously popular thanks to its excellent design, diverse cast of characters and surrounding fan culture.